Commissioner Quarles praises end of Chinese beef import embargo

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles today applauded the announcement made by the Trump administration that China has decided to end its embargo on beef imports from the United States.

“Today is truly a great day for Kentucky agriculture,” Commissioner Quarles said. “The end of this embargo will re-open a large market for Kentucky beef producers that has long been closed. As international trade becomes increasingly more important to the future of Kentucky agriculture, this decision allows our farmers access to a market of 1.3 billion people that has been unavailable for over a decade. I am happy that our work with the Trump administration and the USDA on emphasizing trade as essential to Kentucky agriculture has proven successful.”

“We are very pleased with the announcement that an agreement has been made to restore trade with China,” said Chuck Crutcher, president of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. “The benefits of this agreement will be very positive for our producers.”

Kentucky is the largest beef cattle producer east of the Mississippi River with more than 1 million beef cows. In 2016, sales of beef cattle from Kentucky producers generated more than $733 million in farm cash receipts.

The administration announced on Thursday that China would begin importing U.S. beef no later than July 16.

The Chinese embargo on beef imports from the United States has been in place since 2003. China is currently the second largest consumer of beef in the world.